classic style

Affordable investment pieces that won’t break the bank

 in General Fashion / Shopping  tagged classic style by

affordable investment pieces from top left:  Kendra Scott “Elle” earrings / San Diego Hat Company sun hat / Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC handbag / Soludo’s espadrille wedges / Levi’s 501 original fit / San Diego Hat Company sun hat /

People are always talking about investment dressing, and how certain items priced well over $1000, and even $10,000, are worth every penny because they never go out of style, and are always considered IT items. While some people have the means to purchase these investment items, or save up for them, not everyone has a money tree in their backyard. Thankfully, there are some items out there in the fashion world, which are considered investment items, that won’t break the bank.

Let’s talk about five affordable investment pieces you can buy now, and continue to wear, year after year! First off, I would like to express my love for Kendra Scott’s “Elle” earrings. These are her medium sized, signature earring style. They helped to put her on the map, and she continues to show the classic earring style season after season, year after year. They are always offered in a wide variety of colors, and you can wear them all year long. Pick a color and metal you love, and voila! You will own a pair of investment earrings you will never stop wearing, and will always look like they are new. Who knows, you might love them so much, you may find yourself buying them in more then one color! It’s entirely possible I own a green pair, turquoise pair, and blue pair. Shhh. . .

San Diego Hat Company is a fabulous hat brand which makes these amazing, sturdy, light-blocking sun hats! They have been making the two styles featured above for well over a decade. I own a black one which has been splashed with chlorinated pool water, salt water, and has been to the beach so many times, I have lost count! I bought it roughly fifteen years ago, and it still looks like it’s new! Best part? They are priced well under $50. These hats can be folded into a beach bag or suitcase; so they are travel friendly. Love that!

If you don’t already own a Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC, what are you waiting for? This is a classic cross body or over-the-shoulder standby. They are incredible quality, and priced under $200. If a leather one gets caught in the rain, just wipe it off! It will live, and it will still look great! I have a purple one my teenager stole from me-someday I will try to get it back! This bag is always in style, always in stock, and always available in several colors. Pick a neutral one, or have some fun with a seasonal color. You will love it!

Espadrille wedges are always on trend in the spring and summer months. Soludos makes a classic espadrille wedge which they offer every spring and summer season. These wedges have been around for years. So you can buy a pair now, and wear them next year, and the year after that, and so on! They are comfortable, and very good quality. My black pair is three years old and still going strong. I can walk for miles in them and my feet are very happy 🙂 The rubber coating on the soles is strong, and doesn’t wear down. I love these wedges, and they are under $100! Love that!

Lastly, there is one pair of jeans on the market which has withstood the test of time. The Levi’s 501 original fit jeans. They are offered in different washes every year, but the silhouette is tried and true. You can buy a size up for a relaxed boyfriend jean look, or squish into a smaller size for a girlfriend jean silhouette. You can cut them into shorts, or cut them into cropped jeans. They are priced way under $100 and are always on trend. I have a light wash pair from roughly five years ago which still look great! While most jean styles come and go, Levi’s 501’s are always around. They are a closet staple!

Five affordable investment pieces which won’t break the bank:

So there you have it! My five favorite affordable investment pieces you can buy now, wear now, and wear forever! What are some of your favorite investment pieces which won’t break the bank?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

cute espadrilles

Designer handbag capsule wardrobe

 in Handbags  tagged capsule wardrobe / classic style / clutches / cross body bags / handbag capsule / satchels / shoulder bags / totes by

designer handbag capsule wardrobe

From top left: Daily bag: drawstring bucket bag (under $1000!) / Formal gala clutch: black clutch / Work bag: classic black satchel / Dinner bag: Gucci shoulder bag (under $2000!) / Daily satchel: black doctor-style satchel / Cross body bag: off-white cross body bag  / Workhorse tote: blue simple tote (under $1500!)

Everyone is always talking about creating a capsule wardrobe which is simple, and exudes minimalism. This can be achieved with handbags too! If you are trying to buy the least amount of handbags you need to get through life, yet still want them to be fabulous, you are in the right place! This is an example of the perfect designer handbag capsule wardrobe.

There are seven types of handbags you need in your designer handbag capsule wardrobe to cover every occasion in life. These bags should be classic, and in a neutral hue, which will never clash with your attire. If you are building a designer handbag capsule wardrobe, it is best to stick with black, grey, white, beige, and tan. Why is there a blue tote pictured? Well. . .we will get to that 😉

When building the perfect designer handbag capsule wardrobe, it is important to pick styles within each handbag category which are classic and will not immediately go out of style after one season. These bags need to have longevity so that your hard-earned money isn’t wasted on a trendy item. Capsule wardrobe handbags should be simple, free of adornments, and offer clean lines. I have chosen my favorites in each category, and included them in this post.

Without further ado, here are the seven bags we all need in a designer handbag capsule wardrobe!

Daily Handbag: This is the bag you want to be able to reach for everyday. Your daily handbag should be sturdy, sleek, easy to wipe down, and have room for extras. A bucket bag or hobo bag is perfect for grabbing to run out of the house. It can take you from errands to a little league game to the mall. This is the bag you will use all. the. time! I own the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag pictured above and love love love it! It is perfect for everyday use, and fits all the extra things my kids always want me to hold for them. This bag offers sturdy construction, and can handle heavy weight inside of it; such as five water bottles, an iPad, and a DSLR camera. Yes, I have stuffed those items inside, and it worked like a charm!

Daily Satchel: Sometimes you want a more structured look for everyday wear. A hobo or bucket bag might not have the right look for running from a ladies lunch to the supermarket. A structured, daily satchel made from a sturdy fabrication which offers an understated look is perfect for days when you want to look put together, but still have a hectic schedule. I own the Givenchy Antigona daily satchel pictured above and love it! I have had it for several years and always stuff it with heavy items. The leather is sturdy and can really take a beating. It cleans off nicely, and keeps on working hard for me! I highly recommend owning one as part of your designer handbag capsule wardrobe.

Evening Clutch: This Bottega Veneta clutch is on my wish list! Everyone needs one classic, formal evening clutch in their wardrobe. This clutch is ideal for gala events, cocktail parties, and anything formal. I recommend getting one with a hidden shoulder strap for when you want to be hands free. If you like to hold a drink, and grab passed appetizers-you need a hidden strap!

Dinner Bag: This is your go-to semi-formal bag for dinner, the theater, and going out in general. I love the Gucci bag pictured above, or you could invest in a classic Chanel 2.55 or Chanel classic flap.

Cross Body Bag: Everyone needs one cross body bag in their handbag capsule wardrobe. This is the bag you will use at amusement parks, for travel, and anytime you go somewhere you want to be hands-free. This Chloe bag is a classic, sturdy workhorse bag. It is also roomier then it looks!

Work Bag: Whether you work in an office, or volunteer your time, you will need a work bag in your designer handbag capsule wardrobe. This is a bag you can fit files into, looks structured, and offers a professional vibe which demands instant respect. You may even be able to fit a small laptop inside! I own the Fendi recommended above and love it! It is my go-to meeting bag and fits files, a tablet, and additional odds and ends. It is sturdy and perfect for daily use if you work outside the home. Love it!

Workhorse Tote: So, you may have noticed I advised you to look for neutral colors when it comes to creating a designer handbag capsule wardrobe. You may have also noticed the Fendi tote pictured above is blue! Your workhorse tote is the one bag where you can have fun with color. A good workhorse tote bag can act as a beach bag, a carry-on bag, a park day bag, a shopper tote, and more! You may not reach for it everyday, but your workhorse tote bag will be the large, roomy tote you reach for on weekends, when you travel, need a diaper bag, and whenever you need to bring a lot of stuff with you! Have fun with your tote, and choose a color which reflects your personal style. Mine is blue, what’s your hue?

Well, that’s it! These are the seven types of bags you need to create a classic, durable, designer handbag capsule wardrobe. To be frank, we don’t need more then seven bags, although owning more is fun! If you are limited on closet space, simplify your wardrobe, or want to maximize your dollars, seven bags will do it! I hope you like the ones I recommend, I either own them, or have been eyeing them.

Which types of handbags do you need in your handbag capsule wardrobe?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Can’t get enough of my . . . Gucci Princeton mules

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged cant get enough of my / classic style / gucci / mules by

gucci princeton loafers mulesgucci mules classic trend gucci mules classic blackgucci mules casual outfit ideasgucci princeton mules winter casual outfit

Wearing classic black Gucci Princeton Mules

I can’t get enough of my . . . Gucci Princeton Mules in classic black! When the Gucci Princeton Mules first started trending last year, I instantly fell in love. They offer classic, effortless styling with just a bit of understated glam. This is totally me!

My personal style is California Casual with a touch of glam. So when the Gucci mules started appearing everywhere, I knew I needed a pair. Although they have been designed in so many different colors and patterns; it was the classic black style which drew my eye. I knew I would wear them often; and I was right!

This pair of classic black, Gucci Princeton Mules has been in my closet for a year now. I have worn them throughout the year, in all four seasons. You can see in this post a sample of the outfits I have worn them with; and this is only what has been photographed!

This is a pair of shoes I reach for several times per week; and if my feet hurt from another pair of shoes, I slip into my Gucci mules mid-day for instant comfort. These really are a true pair of go-to shoes. They are comfortable, effortless, and easy to walk in. Last summer, I walked all over Chinatown with my family in these mules, and they were amazingly comfortable!

As an alternative to flats, I find myself reaching for my Gucci Princeton Mules so often that my classic black flats are collecting dust; no joke! I can’t remember the last time I wore any pair of flats other then my Gucci mules!

In the past, I have talked about investment dressing and owning closet staples which can last through anything. These Gucci Princeton Mules are a prime example of an investment piece every fashionista needs in her closet. They are truly classic, and a must-have! I would love to own another pair in a different color; or perhaps indulge in an embroidered pair!

Gucci Princeton Mules around the web:

Affordable mules around the web:

Do you have a pair of go-to shoes you find yourself reaching for every season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

gucci princeton mules casual jeans